- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£52
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£71
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
2 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
2 h 45 m
Trains on 04 Sept
12
Distance
151 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Southampton will cost around £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
To travel from Exeter to Southampton you need to make at least one change.
L79414+
G15012
Y80248+
L79414+
G15012
L79392+
G15008
C47995 · Y41873+
L79392+
G15008
Y41870+
L79392+
G15008
W34559 · G15006
G14922 · G15010
Y41870 · W34559 · G15006
L79392+
G15008
L79414+
G15012Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £37, while a coach costs an average of £55.
Distance: 151 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price | £29 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Southampton:
A train is £17 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Exeter to Southampton costing on average £55.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 15m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 32m by train vs 2h 42m by car). Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £29 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y41870 · W34559 · G15006 | 9:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h57 | 12:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
Y41870+ L79392+ G15008 | 9:05 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h57 | 13:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L79392+ C47995 · Y41873 · G15008 | 9:36 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h26 | 13:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3 changes | |
W34559 · G15006 | 9:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h19 | 12:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
L79392+ G15008 | 10:00 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h02 | 13:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
W34562 · C48486+ L80254 | 10:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h07 | 13:22 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
W34562+ G01009 | 10:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h28 | 13:43 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
Y80241 · G15010+ G00865 | 10:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h25 | 14:04 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L79414+ G15012 · Y80248 | 11:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h21 | 15:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
G14922 · G15010 | 11:43 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h21 | 14:04 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
L79414+ G15012 | 11:57 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h06 | 15:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
Y80254 · G14923 · G15013 | 12:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 3h20 | 16:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Exeter to Southampton run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 151 km distance in 2h 36m.
Distance 151 km |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 19 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:28 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Southampton Central -> Westquay, Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter to Southampton by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Exeter to Southampton trains use the Exeter St Davids to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Millbrook (Hants) is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Millbrook (Hants) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Millbrook (Hants).
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Millbrook (Hants): Parking.
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